Matongo earns contract with Rugby League Championship side

LONDON - Championship club Bradford have signed former Hull prop Masimbaashe Matongo (pictured) for the rest of the season following a successful trial period.

Zimbabwe-born Matongo (26), spent last season with York in the second division following his move from Hull.

The forward su ered a season-ending shoulder injury last August and was released by the Knights during the o season. He made the 19 appearances for the side, scoring one try.

Speaking to Bulls TV, Bradford coach Mark Dunning said: “I’m delighted to say we’ve been able to come to an agreement with Masi and his agent.

“Masi has signed a contract with us and he’ll go into the melting pot at the weekend, so I’m really chu ed with that.

“He’ll add some quality and we’ve had to do some due diligence and be really creative with this deal. Masi was out on the periphery due to an injury, he found himself with no club in pre-seaosn so we welcomed him in, gave him some treatment and some love, and on the back of that he’s decided this is where he wants to be so I’m really happy with that.

“He’ll add more strength in depth to our middle unit, he’ll push for a place and he’ll push standards as well.

“I’m not ruling him out for this weekend. He’s a quality player, I think only

ve years ago he was playing for England Knights and was playing in Super League. You don’t become a bad player over a short period of time.

“He’s had some problems due to this injury he’s had but he is looking well, training well and is really determined to turn a corner.

“He has got a contract that suits him if he’s on the eld, read between that as you will. He gets more money if he’s on the eld so I think that’s the best for everyone. Masi has been brilliant since he has come through the door and we look forward to working with him for the rest of the year.”

Born in Harare, Zimbabwe, he was a relative latecomer to the sport before impressing with amateur teams Hull Wyke, West Hull and Norland Sharks.

He was signed by Hull FC in 2013, and two years later was making his Super League debut at Wigan while still studying accountancy. Agencies